Ghana’s hopes of advancing in the WAFU B U-17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers were dashed following a 2-1 defeat to Burkina Faso at the University of Ghana Stadium.
Burkina Faso took an early lead, but Ghana’s Joseph Narbi equalised in the first half. The match was decided by a brace from Asharaf Tapsoba, who capitalised on a defensive error and then sealed the win shortly after the break.
The Stallions opened the scoring following a defensive mix-up between Ghanaian goalkeeper Michale Armah and a defender, allowing Tapsoba to slot the ball into an empty net.
Laryea Kingston’s side responded positively, equalising in the 27th minute with a superbly curled effort from Narbi that found the top right corner.
However, just three minutes into the second half, Tapsoba struck again, making a decisive run between Ghana’s centre-backs and firing a low shot past Armah to restore Burkina Faso’s lead.
This defeat not only ends Ghana’s campaign in the semifinals but also denies them a spot in the next edition of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, continuing a streak of disappointment against Burkina Faso.
